Life in the Undergrowth by David Attenborough

A study of the evolution and habits of invertebrates, it was the fifth of Attenborough’s specialised surveys following his major trilogy that began with Life on Earth. Each of the five 50-minute episodes looks at a group (or aspect) of the creatures using innovative photographic techniques.

Insects disguising themselves as flowers or leaves. A spider that lassoes its prey. A beetle that persuades a bee to care for its young. Small is beautiful. And astonishingly varied – far over a million species – and important. Kept small by lack of backbones, invertebrates were here before us, will still be here when we are gone. They are the pollinators, cleaners and recyclers of life on earth. With their help, we have evolved. Without them, we would not last long.

Yet people are prejudiced, by ignorance, fear or just difference of size and difficulties of seeing. Closer to them, children notice and enjoy tiny creatures where adults may too easily reach for an insecticide.